The effects of GLP-1RAs on glaucoma are under investigation, but so far, studies have shown the weight loss drug reduces retinal ganglion cell loss by modulating apoptotic signals and decreasing inflammatory oxidative stress markers like C1q, TNF-α and IL1α. These effects potentially slow the progression and severity of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

One recent study published in Ophthalmology aimed to determine whether these widely used medications could reduce the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension, particularly in non-diabetic overweight populations

Specifically, they noted a 50.4% reduced risk of POAG at the three-year follow-up, and by the five-year follow-up, the reduction increased to 58.5%. Ocular hypertension risks were similarly diminished by 55.9% and 65.8% across the same timelines. 

GLP-1RAs have been shown to reduce retinal ganglion cell loss. “The degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and axon loss is characteristic of glaucomatous optic neuropathy and reduction in mechanisms potentiating this process would ultimately reduce glaucoma progression and severity—as confirmed by our results,” the researchers noted.